Donaire-Arce Presser

Photos: Chris Farina/Top Rank

Four-time world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire and five-time world champion Jorce “Travieso” Arce met during the final press conference for their upcoming world jr. featherweight championship on Saturday night at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Both Donaire and Arce showed respect toward each other.

Arce said he didn’t have any predictions, he just promises a great fight and has that prepared like he never has before. “What happened last week in Las Vegas with Pacquiao and Marquez is going to happen again. A new surprise.”

Donaire stated that he didn’t know Houston was this cold, but “I guarantee that on Saturday it will be hot in here…again the rivalry (between the Philippines and Mexico) but I think it’s just me and Arce getting in there as a fighter, as a warrior, and it’s going to be incredible!”

Also on hand was Guillermo Rigondeaux who defends his super bantamweight title against Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym. Both were brief with their comments. Rigondeaux commented that there’s nothing to say at this moment except to get in the ring and fight. Poonsawat vowed to bring the title back to Thailand.